New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-06-11
DIR. RANKINS CHURCH DIVIDED.
A LIVELY MEETING IN ORANGE VALLEY

sEvESTY-ETGHT PEOPLE WHO WANT THEIR PASTOR
TO RESIGN.
When the bell Of the Orange Valley, n j., Congregs
tional Church called It's members last night TO the annual
meeting there bitter feeling among them. DIVIDING
the church The difference In reference to the pas
tor, the Rev. Dr. J. Il. Rankin For more than year
there had been mu.terings of dissatisfaction that had
grown into determination to ask him 10 resign. Dr..
Rankin has been for three years pastor OF the church.
which Of the strongest Congregational churches in
New-Jersey and OF the most prominent churches IN
the Oranges Dr. Rsnkns friends say that 1t has grown
steadily under his pasprate and that those who wish
him to resign with two exceptions not work.
ing members OF the church and have no cause TO CON-
plain OF him
After opening the meeting DR.. Rankin retired In favor
Of George Spotiswoode of the members. and left tho
room. Captain Matthews. the leader OF the opposition
then offered The following resolution:
s % ss o s P
the good OF the church for hin to resign.
Captain Matthews immediately moved the adoption OF
his resolution without discussion aud by ballot This
at once objected TO by DAVID A. Head VINO said that he
believed the motion should be thoroughly discussed not
voted on secretly by ballot Twas due In justice " their
minister, that every man and woman should stand up
and express his sentiments " Every ono shall know
what do aud feel" added Mr. Heald "and move
as an amendment that rising vote he taken on the reso
lutionS"
We nave right here. and you have rlsnt
such an sc and Church ss no to deprive an A@efcsn
citizen Of his brthrght Applause
Mr. HealdThat sounds good for Fourth OF July ora
ton. but it is Of place in church.
Mr.. Heads reply was greeted withapplause from his
friends and Kisses by the opposition lie urged both
sides not to make any further demonstration Mr..
Marsh thought that VINO loved the church wohd
oppose Captain Matthew's resolution. IL would only
divide the church and the church divided would rail- HE
opposition ne said had once stood up 70 oe COUNTED ana
had been voted down by tue geneaship OF the pastor
shame on you for such statement ciieo several
voices
Mr.. Waterman said that he the son aud grandson
OF minister; his brother minister lie had heard
at least 5000 and felt competent " pass on Inc
posed to Dr. Rankin many OF the opposition had re-
ported him to be. Mr. Marsh wanted Mr. Waterman de-
cared OF order but the chairman refused 10 consider
him so.
Captain Matthews-In this amendment OF Mr. Head thers
purpose Intimidation warn you Tor the good OF inc
church not 10 press IT. We demand our orthry as Amei
Citizens
Deacon Bell spoke in favor OF the minister and Walter
Varpte and John Waterman In favor or his resignation,
because he the ght Kind OF minister. On the
motion OF Gilbert T. uawes, all WAC were not members
of ths church the back OF the and vote
WAS taken on amendment IL was carried by 81 %
rs Then rising vote was aken on the Resolutions anu
they were lost o vote OF lOl 70 70.
Captan Matthews-Mr Heald made some reflection my
Mr. Head-Oh no. had intention OF doing amt II
did apologize right here Will 30 ACROSS lois 10 apoo
Matthews-We don't want you TO go across lots
The meeting elected Richard Russell. deacon; q. s
Thompson and o. b Johnson on the standing committees
A Condit, superin endent, and H. W. Gfven assistant
perintendent; O. +. Whiting. precentor and j. [,
OGDEN IT, clerk. The members adjourned IN better
bumor, but many OF them said that Dr RANKIN wooll
resign anyway since the resolutions received so large